An event planner from North Vancouver has risen to the top of the Canadian baking world. Jo Mandet was crowned the winner of the ninth season of The Great Canadian Baking Show, an achievement she describes as completely surreal.
From Fan to Champion
Jo Mandet had been a dedicated viewer of the popular CBC competition for several seasons, but she never imagined she would one day compete. The life-changing opportunity arrived when her boss discovered that auditions were coming to Vancouver and strongly encouraged Mandet to apply.
"The idea of actually being in the tent felt surreal," Mandet admits. "I don't know if I would've had the courage to apply if my boss hadn't mentioned the auditions were coming to Vancouver and told me I should just go for it. That encouragement was exactly what I needed to apply."
The High-Stakes Journey in the Tent
Mandet joined nine other amateur bakers, including fellow British Columbians Dan Vano from Burnaby and student Jennifer Tsang, for the high-pressure challenges of the show's ninth season, which concluded in late November 2025. The competition, which airs on CBC and CBC Gem, pits home bakers against each other in a series of difficult tests.
Reflecting on her experience, Mandet calls it "one of the most incredible experiences" of her life. Despite the intense challenges, she found herself completely in her element among her fellow competitors. "I was supported, inspired, and constantly pushed to grow," she says. "It's one of those rare experiences that I will treasure forever."
Overcoming the Ultimate Test
Every reality competition has its defining moments, and for Mandet, the most memorable challenge was the storybook cake. "The storybook cake was my 'what on earth am I doing?' challenge," she recalls. "The day before the showstopper I had random elements and no cohesion. Luckily for me, in the tent, something fell into place and I'm super proud of the final result."
Mandet approached the entire competition with a focused, "one-bake-at-a-time" mentality. While she maintained hope throughout the process, she never allowed herself to become overconfident. "Even on the last day of baking I hoped I would win, but I never really let myself believe it," she confesses.
Now holding the coveted Canadian baking title, Mandet has a clear message for other home bakers considering the competition: "There's nothing to lose, and it could very well turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of their life." She adds a reassuring note for those who might doubt their abilities, saying, "If you ever doubt yourself or feel like you're not good enough, don't worry, we all had imposter syndrome!"
